As dove season starts, I reminisce about the shotguns I own or have owned.

I started out with an Ithaca pump that I really liked. I used pumps mostly until I got into skeet shooting and started shooting over -and-under SKBs.

One of the best pump shotguns I have ever shot was -- and still is -- my Winchester Model 12. The Model 12 was designed in 1912 to replace the more complicated 1897 shotgun, which had an exposed hammer. It first came out in 20 gauge, with the 12 and 16 gauge coming out in 1914. It also was made in .28 gauge. (rare), and then Winchester scaled down the action and chambered it in .410, which they called the Model 42.

Along with the Model 1897, the U.S. armed forces used these pump shotguns in four wars and many other military actions. In 1963, the Winchester Model 12 came to an end. It lived on in limited production, however, and then Browning picked up the patent and made them for several more years under its trademark.

This Winchester Model 12 is ready to go hunting. In addition to being a good firearm for hunters, the shotgun is also a popular piece for collectors. PHOTO BY JOHN JOHNSTON About 1963, Winchester wanted to produce its firearms less expensively. This required the actions to be made of a cheaper alloy. Other slight changes were utilized, and the shotgun was tagged the Model 1200. This also happened to other Winchester firearms.

What made the Model 12 so popular was the solid steel action, which, even though it was heavier, was so smooth, reliable and sturdy. But this action was more expensive to produce and required more machine work. During the years it was made, almost two million came off the production line.

Mine is a plain field model, 16 gauge, with a 26-inch barrel and a full choke. It shoots a tight group and has taken a few turkeys. I like to use it during the late dove season when the birds are flying high.

Over the years, the Model 12 came out in several configurations, including the trench model, skeet, trap, fancy grade, field and engraved versions. It could be shot all day without a malfunction. During the last 30 years, the price of these shotguns has wavered according to the interest of collectors. Pump shotguns with fixed chokes have fallen out of favor. You usually find a lot of Model 12s with an adjustable after-market choke system called the Poly Choke. It looks ugly but functioned well.

I can still find some 16-gauge shells, but each year they get more difficult to locate. It is between the 20 gauge and the 12 gauge in power and shot weight. The public seemed to think there was not enough difference to justify owning one.

If you are looking for a collector shotgun, the Winchester Model 12 would be a good investment. Even better, you will own a piece of history that you can use and appreciate.

John Johnston is a retired sergeant detective who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He resides in Lampasas County. To contact him by e-mail, please write to

olsingle­shot@

­gmail.

c­om.